I Am NOT Going to School Today!

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable support to ease starting school jitters
Review: This sensitive portrayal of a child with the willies over starting school is an engaging story in itself and will also bolster the resolve of young ones approaching their own first days at preschool or kindergarten. The little boy in this expressively illustrated book seems not to have had the opportunity to visit his classroom in advance, or meet his teacher, but evidently is already familiar with preschool routines.

The night before school starts, he decides definitely NOT to go for his first day. As he explains to his tenderly respectful parents the morning of the big day, he won't know anything on the first day, ". . . all the kids' names, or which cubby is your cubby, or where the crayons are, or what kind of juice they have, or if they have crackers -at all!" Not knowing any of the songs, 'or when it's story time, or where the toilet is, or if you can play in the rain. " are troubling too, and besides, how will his stuffed monkey manage without him?

After dad's good blueberry pancakes, and her son's temporary retreat under the kitchen table, mom sensibly suggests, as departure time presses, that Hank the stuffed monkey go along, and so he does. Hank is introduced to the teacher and, through the course of an appealing, active day, all the essential information is imparted. The pictures carry most of the rest of the story, showing children comfortably enjoying themselves at school. Nervousness overcome, our bright, endearing little hero (and Hank) plan to return the next day.

The publisher gauges this book appropriate for 4-8 year olds, but it will be appreciated by three year olds too, for years to come.